What is a recantation?

• A. Withdrawing a complaint of sexual assault or rape
• B. A retraction of a false report only if evidence is missing
• C. A mid-case review
• D. An investigative technique

Answer: (A)

Recantation means withdrawing a complaint of sexual assault or rape or reversing the statements previously given. In victim-centered investigations, this can happen for a variety of reasons and doesn’t erase the possibility that a crime occurred; it just changes how the case is pursued and what evidence is considered. It isn’t a mid-case review, it isn’t an investigative technique, and it isn’t defined as a retraction of a false report only if evidence is missing. The focus is on understanding the change in the survivor’s statements and continuing to document what was reported while supporting safety and the integrity of the investigation.